BlitzMacalma.blogspot.com

The XBOX 360 Slim JTAG aka RGH

2012-01-30T20:48:00.011+08:00

Hi Everyone,

I've recently found out that a JTAG for the XBOX Slim is now possible.

What is JTAG? it's a form of Modification done with your XBOX that enables you to write 'un-official' / non-microsoft programs in your XBOX. Such as LINUX OS, etc. Since you own the XBOX you have the right to do whatever you want with it to maximize its potential. (do more things other than playing XBOX Games).

But first of all, to avoid the confusion, the term "JTAG" is not applicable to the XBOX 360 SLIM. Which is why in most forums/websites, they will tell you, "NO you CANNOT JTAG the SLIM", that is because the procedure in JTAGging the XBOX Slim is different from the original JTAG procedure.

The correct term for the XBOX SLIM is RGH (RESET GLITCH HACK) this is the new procedure in letting un-official programs to run in your XBOX Slim. So from here onwards I will be using the term RGH and not JTAG.

Now what do you need in order to RGH your XBOX 360 Slim?

First and most important is the CoolRunner Circuit Board... (cost P1,000-P1,500 online)
available here: http://www.xconsoles.com/products/Xecuter-CoolRunner-RevB.html

Para saan ito?
This is the Board that will make the RGH work. Google about the details how it works, I wont explain it here to shorten the blog post. Basically this card simulates the "booting" of your XBOX, but does slight modifications to let non-microsoft programs to run during initialization.

Second is an optional component but highly recommended Quick Solder Board.. (cost P250-500)
available here: http://www.xconsoles.com/products/Xecuter-NAND%252dX-%26-CoolRunner-Slim-QSB-Install-Kit.html

Para saan naman ito?
This board makes it easier for the technician to "SOLDER" in tagalog, pag "hinang" ng wires to your XBOX's motherboard. Hence its name QSB(Quick 'Solder' Board) It also makes the board less cluttered and ensures the wires are precisely connected to the required nodes.

When both components are installed they will look like this on your board..
http://www.xconsoles.com/productimage.php?product_id=161&current_image=1#

Now that you know how much the "COMPONENTS" cost, wag kayo mag reklamo na MAHAL! I have asked some shops in Greenhills, they are offering RGH service from P2,500 (BestBuy) to P6,000 (EYO). Obviously the shop offering the 6,000 price sounds outrageous. Both shops are in VirraMall.

It's not a simple task to install these boards, but the 4,000 installation fee is too much. The 2,500 price in BESTBUY sounds reasonable. But I am still to confirm with them what components are they using, (if they're using COOLRUNNER revB).

Moving on to the "FUN" part, ano ba benefits ng RGH'd na XBOX SLIM?

You can now BACK-UP your games and install them to your 'external' hardisk (note: external, meaning you're not required to use an XBOX Hardisk Drive)

EMULATORS: You can also play back ups of your SNES, GBA, and PlayStation 1 games on your XBOX! miss mo na ba Super Mario World or Final Fantasy 7? :)

On-Line gaming, via ~~XLINK-Kai.~~ http://link.jqe360.com/ (updated Jan 14 2013)

and Many More! Just google for "Benefits of JTAG" ;)

For more sample videos you can go to youtube and search for FreeStyle Dash, XEXmenu, Freestyle Dash Emulator, JTAG GameOnDemand.

You may also visit XBOX Iso forum for more information!

http://www.xbox360iso.com/jtag-tutorials-f130.html

Thanks for munching by!

aPad vs FAKE ePad, MID, iRobot (rockchip vs ATI flytouch), don't be fooled.

2010-12-26T17:21:00.039+08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

SUMMARY: For sure you've already seen those China Tablets (APADs, EPAD, MIDs, iROBOT) selling for only 3,000 to 6,000 pesos, don't be fooled when they say it's on Android 2.2, it's still ANDROID 1.6, here's what to expect from the Fake APAD (FLYTOUCH):

THE GOOD: You can Browse internet / facebook (NO Video, NO FLASH GAMES) / chat / email
THE BAD: Its Slow (CANNOT play AngryBirds and most Android Games), CANNOT play Flash

now that you know what to expect from the device,
learn how to Identify the fake ones (DIRTY Version aka Flytouch) by reading below...

UPDATE as of December 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Guys, sorry I already stopped maintaining this Blog..
maganda na performance nowadays ng IPAD Clones..

I bought an aPad from John's GADGETS, Highly recommended!
webstore: http://www.sulit.com.ph/index.php/view+classifieds/id/3104619/APAD+ANDROID+2.3+LATEST+7inches+with+FREEBIES%40EVER+GOTESCO+ORTIGAS?featureType=1

aPAD! (original Plants vs Zombies 100% working)

He will reply to all of your inquiries, even inquiries via txt msg! Each and every single TXT MSG ko may REPLY sila! He can also do MEET-UPs "for free"! walang additional fee of 100-200 at kung ano ano pang $#iT para lang mag meet up! :D BEAT THAT!

He also has a STORE in EVER GOTESCO MALL ORTIGAS, so you're free to drop by their store to test their units (test all you wan't, you're not required to buy). For more details you may contact him at http://john999999.sulit.com.ph/

Surely the best aPAD seller out there as of DECEMBER 2011!

Good luck with your aPads! and merry Christmas!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Since its the season of giving, I was planning on getting a gadget for my grandma so she could learn about the internet and communicate with our relatives online...

I was planning on getting her a pre owned net book, but instead found out that the iPad clone's price has dropped down to 3,000 pesos.

Oh btw, yeah a "pre-owned" one, all my gadgets from phone to cams are all 2nd hand, been with me for years now and none has died on me yet. Why buy new ones when you can get them for half to a 3rd of its original "Mall price" and of course without sacrificing its quality. You just have to be picky and thorough in checking if the unit is still in tip top shape! ;) I frequent TipidPC/TipidCP and Sulit.ph (these are Philippine based sites).

Okay, enough of the delays and on with our Topic, in search of a gadget, I bumped in to the iPad clone, the aPAD (aka iRobot)...

I was surprised that it costs just around 3,000-3,500 pesos nowadays. And for a gadget that can let you go online via Wifi (FB,Youtube,Google,Email... etc) and download tons of Applications/Games that can be acquired via Android Market (yes it runs on Google's Android Operating System), 3,000 pesos is already a very reasonable price! Not to mention its a Tablet with a 7inch touch screen!

Perfect for seniors who aren't tech savvy, no more confusing buttons to memorize (grandma knows how to txt/sms but gets lost when she forgets which button on the phone does which task, so a netbook would probably confuse her more). Touch screens are the best for kids and old folks alike! Agree? lol..

Upon comparing the different sellers online claiming that they are selling legitimate aPADs, and throwing negative comments at each other saying "those are fake 2.2 OS, those cant download apps from Android Market, those are slow, ours are faster, better, latest version, mas pogi ako sayo, lolo mo wrestler, wala ka sa lolo ko, rants, etc" you'd really end up confused, and caught hanging, not knowing who to believe.

So HOW DO I KNOW if an APAD is Real or Fake? (funny really, since aPAD is already a fake/clone gadget to begin with, and they still managed to create a clone of a clone gadget)

Lets start with the Physical attributes...

The Original aPads have Rockchip processors inside them, they have 2 mini USB ports.
While the fake aPads (ePads aka Flytouch) doesn't have any, you will need an adapter
plugged in to the USB interface pictured below (2nd image below).

Fake APADs (Flytouch) also have speakers located at the bottom of the device, while the APAD's speakers are located either on both sides or on its back.

Since APAD has been the top choice of all the iPAD Clones, almost all manufacturers and sellers are now labeling their iPAD Clones as APAD, tricking people in to buying their product.

Here is a collection of pictures showing all the iPAD Clone models to date and see how an
original A-PAD looks like. CLICK HERE to VIEW IMAGES.

You may also check out the video below for a more up-close view of a Real A-Pad.

Now for the Specs comparison...

Fake aPad (E-Pad) runs only at 300 mhz, its only good for Internet, Facebook (but no Video and Flash Games) some even comes with a fake Plants vs Zombies installed to make you believe it's fast!(FYI: 1st Gen Ipod touch runs a 620mhz processor so you can just imagine how slow these Fake aPad / Flytouch tablets are.)

While the Original aPad runs at 600-800mhz (at par with the latest ipod devices).

The ePAD/Flytouch is slow, but it can run Plants vs Zombies, fake nga lang! haha with only one level (watch video of Fake PvZ)

Here are more sample screenshots of ePADs claiming to be on Android 2.2 ...

What you should check for is the Kernel Version..
The Moment you see that "Dirty" you'll know its a "FAKE" aPAD. (DIRTY version)

bakit kaya Dirty.... hmm baka pre-installed with YouPorn? lol..
And below is a sample of a "REAL" aPAD, check the Kernel Version (should show ROCKCHIP)
proving that it has a Rockchip processor inside the unit.

More Helpful Notes:

Those APad/EPad devices that claim to be Android version 1.7 or 1.9 are Fake! Check wiki for Android history, OS version 1.7 and 1.9 doesn't exist.

If you're getting an aPad, get AT LEAST the one that is Rockchip RK2808-based. But RK2808 can only use Android 1.6 and RK2818 can accomodate Android OS 2.0 and above.

iRobot (same as the original A-PAD) dapat Rockchip RK2808 sa specs. kung VIA 8505, panget)

VIA chips are sloooowwww!!! (VIA chips = kernel with "Dirty")

Recommended Processors/Chips are Rockchip RK2808, Telechips TCC8902 and OMAP3 3530.

rockchips have android 1.5
telechips have newer os(2.1 & 2.2)

RECOMMENDED aPAD MODELS:

aPAD iROBOT (rockchip)
aPAD X5A (Telechip)

Helpful sites/forums:
http://www.slatedroid.com
http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=233228&page=63

Side Comment:
hintay lang tayo ng 1 year pa, hindi na tayo lahat gagamit cellphone.
May isang pamilya na ng gagambang naka tira sa Landline Unit namin.

VERDICT:If you want GAMES for Android and FACEBOOK, sorry DONT BUY those 3k-4k worth aPADs (dirty version), they are NOT FOR YOU!

You will need at least 8,000 Pesos for a TABLET capable of playing FLASH.
If you just need a Tablet that can connect via WIFI and Surf the Internet, without the need for FLASH (ie: Flash games and Videos), this Gadget is a GOOD DEAL!

It can also edit WORD/EXCEL documents, and do Multimedia Entertainment (Play Video Clips with 500x500 pixels below resolution, MP3, Pictures)

Memory is expandable up to 32 GB, via MicroSD. Internal memory 2 GB.

Thanks for munching by!

Double B-Day Celeb Part 2 - Bistro Ravioli

2010-09-13T01:27:00.033+08:00

After our Fish Spa adventure in Manila Ocean Park, we went to the nearest mall, SM Mall of Asia to buy gifts for each other (Mich got me a pair of shoes from Aldo and the Saturday after that, I got her a blouse from Zara in Trinoma, we weren't able to find a gift for her in MoA). After the gift hunting, off we went to have Dinner! :D

Since MoA's too far from our place (QC) we seldom get the chance to try the restaurants here, so we had to go to a resto that can only be found in Mall of Asia.

And so we ended up in Bistro Ravioli! Mich and her college friends had dinner here once so she already knows the place. The waiter told us they have another branch but it doesn't serve pasta and their new dishes.

Bistro Ravioli's Menu (click image to view in full size)

and their 4 new dishes! (I'm guessing your eyes are locked on to Diablo Wings)

So here's what we ordered...

Italian Sausage Ravioli in Romesco (who the hell is Romesco?) Sauce (Price: 190 pesos)

What's the use of going to Bistro Ravioli if you wont try their specialty (Ravioli duh) right? Cream Cheese topping, yummy Italian sausage filling! Wasn't able to concentrate on the Romesco Sauce but I think it tasted similar to Spaghetti... sorry I was too excited to try the Diablo Chicken Wings :D hot hot hot! Oh by the way, there were around 6-7 pieces of Ravioli in this dish.

Next stop.. Diablo Wings! (Price: 200+ pesos) estimated price, it wasn't on the main Menu since it was still new, so we had to ask the waiter about it and 'luckily' for you guys, I forgot it's exact price... yes I should change my URL to "theforgetfulblogger.com"

5 to 6 pieces of yummy, hot and spicy Chicken Wings! They're Big! so it's really worth the price, most of all if you're in to spicy food!

See how big that is!? (syempre kasi naka zoom-in) Mouth watering :D~ there was also this strong taste of Barbeque aside from the spicy flavor. It comes with an Onion/Mayo dip, similar to the onion sauce used for shawarma, only thicker and with onion bits.

3rd dish, Shrimp & Basil Pesto Pizza! (Price: 300 pesos) around 8 slices.

I wanted something filling, just in case the Wings and Ravioli wont be enough (I woke up late and skipped Brunch so I was really hungry =( and we weren't also sure with their serving size).

as seen in the picture, there's a generous amount of toppings, especially the shrimp! In your face you cheap fast food pizza chains! Promising huge amount of toppings which are only true in Pictures! lol (okay, glad I finally got that out).

And yes! They use a brick oven! Brick-Oven Baked Pizza! Yummy! Tastes just like Bricks! no of course I'm only kidding... I don't really know how a brick-oven baked pizza differs from those cooked in conventional baking ovens, for me it depends more on the ingredients they use and I have no complaints with Bistro Ravioli's Pizza.

thin crust! Just the way most of us likes it! More on the flavor and toppings, and less on the useless calories from thick & oily crust pizzas.

We were already full and there were still 4 slices of pizza and 2 chicken wings left so I'm estimating that our meal is good for 3 pesons.

Total Budget: PhP 750-800 (Good for 3 persons)
Price per Head: PhP 250-300

Fruit shake costs PhP80/glass so we don't recommend it, we usually just ask for water unless there's a special drink that only that resto has to offer.

Italian = Love!

Thanks for munching by foodies!

Final Fantasy 8 for the iPhone/iPod Touch? (Chaos Rings)

2010-04-23T03:28:00.003+08:00

Final Fantasy 8 for the Ipod Touch is here!!! Nope just kidding, but these Graphics are not! Now tell me, doesn't this image remind you of Final Fantasy VIII?

Square Enix has released another Masterpiece RPG, and now its for the iPhone/iPod Touch! Released just this April 20, 2010, it definitely won't take long for this game to reach the TOP 1 spot in gamespot.com! RPG fans, the long wait is finally over...

CHAOS RINGS takes full advantage of the iPhone and iPod touch’s capabilities. Using a classic game system that any RPG fan will enjoy, it presents an epic tale consisting of four different scenarios, all brought to you with gorgeous sound and unbelievably smooth 3D graphics. A pure Final Fantasy VIII nostalgia if you ask me. haha

The story revolves around a tournament where combatants fight for their lives: the Ark Arena. Upon choosing a pair of characters, one male and one female, you will then have to fight against the other pairs. Each pair has their own story, and the truth behind the Ark Arena will not be revealed until each story is completed.

Game Details:
-Amazingly smooth 3D graphics
-Size 253 MB
-Gorgeous sound that takes full advantage of the iPhone and iPod touch’s powerful hardware
-A deep story with unique twists for every pair and multiple endings
-Traditional game and battle systems polished to perfection
-Hours upon hours of gameplay, complete with hidden bosses, secret weapons, and more
-Priced at $15.99 on iTunes

Thanks for the visit Techies!

Crustasia's Asian Buffet (let it rain Crabs)

2010-03-15T17:13:00.018+08:00

Whenever we're in Trinoma, we often see banners/posters of Crustasia's Buffet on our way up to the 4th floor to watch a movie (usually at around 7-8pm). And since the dinner buffet is only up to 9pm, we won't really be able to take "advantage" of the buffet with only 1 hour left before it closes. =)

Luckily Mich and I were on leave last friday and had the time to go on a short date before they leave for Tagaytay early the next day. So here we are, mano-a-mano with Crustasia... Crab, you're going down~

As always, the GIANT menu in front of the resto... (wonder which resto started this)

There you are buffet, yup, I'm here for you, brace yourself... Lunch/Dinner buffet
Priced at 395+ pesos (the "+" there is the +10% service charge, a.k.a. +40 pesos)

oh cool place mat, here crabbie crabbie~

Cool, they serve wine! (not a fan sorry)

Buffet section #1: Dimsum! Liked the Siomai, not sure tho if the steamer's really working,
or if it's just for show, the dimsum we had were not really warm anymore...

Buffet section #2: Vegetarian Haven, yep the no meat area;
Salad, Spring Rolls (lumpia), Pita bread, and Vegetarian Sushi (carrot&mango filling)
Buffet Section #3: Soup and Rice, I dont really get this soup, they didn't put any name
near it so I'll just call it Soapy Soup, cuz it tasted like soap. Sorry but probably there's
an ingredient there which naturally tastes like soap. Would've really helped if they placed
it's name there so at least we would know what's it made of. Don't worry I didn't get dizzy
afterward so it's not really Soap.

Buffet Section #4: Pasta/Noodles and hmm.. mixed seafood something, again
there's no label so I'm free to name it what I want. How about Shellies Galore!
Yeah full of every seafood shell you could think of. For me the only food worth
getting here is the "Thai Pasta"(far Left of picture). It's like the Asia's Pasta
of World Chicken. You can get a few of that if you want...

Buffet Section #5: Mixed Greens (this should have been placed at the veggie section)
and Chicken Something! Well.. let your eyes be the judge, it wasn't really tasty,
to be frank I actually enjoyed Andok's Manok more. Don't waste any tummy space here.

Buffet Section #6: Roasted Angus beef! Yumm, now we're talking, this one's worth
trying, just avoid taking the parts full of Fat. Really oily so don't forget to kiss your heart
and give it thanks for letting you survive this one.

Buffet Section #7: Here comes Mr. Crabs! Get as much Claw Parts as you can :)
you'll have everything you need at the table to crack those big claws open.
Oh and the Fishy Fish above the crabs is also worth trying, tender and tasty ;)

Buffet Section #8: Dessert Area! Fruits (watermelon+pineapple), Pudding (on Spoon),
Thin slices of banana in Lumpia wrapper (Mini Turon), and Yummy Mango Jelly!
Your target here is the Mango Jelly topped with Mango puree, our fave! =)

Okay soldier, so here's what you should have in your arsenal right now...
Half a plate of crabs, the Asian Pasta, Angus beef and Fishy fish.
Meet your two new best friends, Mr Shell Cracker and Meat Picker...
They shall help you in your conquest to obliterate all the crabs on your plate,
and probably (if you're good enough) in the whole restaurant.

Actually if you want to get your money's worth, all that you should be eating
in the restaurant are Crabs...

Crabs... (careful they fight back)

more Crabs... (told you to be careful, use Mr. Shell cracker)

Crab Siomai... more Crabs.....

Cracked open Crabs...

Watermelon... (right now your tongue is already numb of the taste of crabs)

and then back to more Crabs....

Yup, the only thing that's really worth filling your tummy here are CRABS!

Say "CRAAAAAAAAAAAAABBBSS~"

now celebrate your victory by hitting the Desserts table! ;)
Crustasia, MallSpace 2087, Trinoma Mall,
North Triangle EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila

For the Complete Menu, click the link below:
http://www.munchpunch.com/restaurants/branch/menus/4118.aspx

High Resolution pictures available at the link below:
http://johnblitz.multiply.com/Crustasia_Buffet_in_Trinoma_March_12_2010

Thanks for munching by foodies!

Bigoli opens in SM North Annex (Italian cuisine)

2010-03-12T17:49:00.006+08:00

Ever since Bigoli opened up in Trinoma, we've been planning to try it out, but since the place looks a bit pricey, and offers italian food (which is what we often eat) we usually end up trying other restaurants in search for new non-Italian dishes. Guess I was very wrong with the "pricey" part. You'll be surprised at how affordable (and yummy!) their dishes are...

Bigoli just opened up in SM North Annex this March, it was actually my first time to visit the "new" SM Annex, and the place looks promising, as Trinoma now is usually packed with People, the new SM North Annex has great restaurants and stores to offer. (including some of our favorite places)

Upon entering the restaurant you are welcomed by heavenly and tempting desserts. They actually have the cheapest Gelato in town, priced only at P50 per cup!

And their best selling Turtle Cheesecake (80 pesos/slice) Though I did like the Tre Latte cake more (55 pesos/slice). It looks just like a regular chiffon slice but wait till you get to dip it in your taste buds.

They also serve coffee and the place actually has a lot of room, so if you just want to hang out and have coffee, try out Bigoli, not sure though if they have free wifi. (Tre Latte picture shown below)

Having an open Kitchen is always a plus! Ensures the customers that nothing fishy happens to their food prior to serving it.

Walls are well decorated with Italian themed paintings.

And check it out, they have couches all over the place. Hooray for comfy dining!

Now lets get it on! First on our list is their "NEW" Spicy Chicken Pasta (115 pesos).
This is not yet on their menu but it's priced the same as their Chicken pasta bigoli. This is one of my Favorites, so for all you spicy food lovers out there, don't miss out on this one (yup, it's really spicy!). BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

Meatballs Pasta Bigoli (115 pesos), fellow bloggers found the pasta a little bland.

Bacon Stromboli (120 pesos), 8 big pieces of Stromboli, definitely a must try, one of their best sellers! Will order this again on my next visit. BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

Spaghetti al Pesto! (90pesos Solo/ 130pesos Grande) notice the exclamation point I placed after its name? yes, surprisingly they have yummy pesto here, it won't give you the feeling of eating grass and the pasta is not drowned in oil. A perfect balance of all its ingredients. One of my faves! (though I can't really recommend it to everyone since pesto seems to be an acquired taste).

They serve breadsitcks with all of their Pasta, and their Breadstick is the best that I've ever had, the bread is so soft it almost melts in your mouth, "freshly baked" indeed, hopefully it's not because they just opened up, and they will be able to maintain its quality.

The Bigoli crew! I love those Beret/Hats, I should've asked if they have some for sale. Looks really cool, lol.

Bigoli's Italian Chicken (4pcs: 235pesos, 6pcs: 345pesos, 10pcs: 550pesos) there's no wondering its one of their best sellers, the chicken is tender, and very tasty, imagine eating Buffalo wings but without the spicy kick, that's exactly how it tastes like.
BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

Pizza Time! Pepperoni Pizza (570 pesos - whole) the crust shares the softness of the bread sticks, but the pizza was not that cheesy though. The size wasn't also mentioned in the menu. But the slices are as big of those of Sbarro and Yellow Cab.

Here's a better view so you can see the pizza's size compared to the other dishes.

Gamberetti (160pesos - Alfredo/White sauce Pasta), though it's not one of their best sellers, I'm a fan of White Sauce and really liked this. The Shrimp tastes good and was obviously fresh.

Pork Picatta (150 pesos - with Spaghetti Marinara) wish I was able to try this with Italian Rice, I actually found this better than Pizza, haha, I wonder if you can order the Picatta only without the Rice/Pasta. Deep fried breaded Cheese and Ham, yum! BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

Now after the long wait, its time for Dessert!

First on the list is their best selling Turtle Cheesecake (80pesos/slice) It was good, the saltyness is a bit lighter compared to other cheesecakes but sorry, My love for Blueberry cheesecake remains.

Bigoli's Tiramisu (55pesos) I didn't really enjoy this one. Probably a pinch too bitter.

Among the Pastries, my Favorite is the TRE LATTE (also 55 pesos) I actually failed to get a good picture of it, it looks just like a simple Chiffon Cake (see image below) but wait till you get a bite out of it. It's like the base cake is made of half cream and half flour. Real creamy goodness! BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

And last but not the least, Gelato! (50pesos/cup) perfect to cool off the summer heat! Their Gelato comes in 5 flavors, Strawberry, Vanilla, Chocolate, Cappuccino, and my favorite Pistachio! The chocolate tasted a bit flat, Vanilla and Strawberry were good, I wasn't able to try the cappuccino. What sold me for the Pistachio is its Minty Taste. Yum!
BLITZ-RECOMMENDED!

Here's the Complete Menu (Click on the Image to open in full size)

Refillable Drinks! (55 pesos) brings back those drink-all-you-can Burger King memories lol.

Don't forget to Press that Smiley on your way out! ;)

Bigoli, 2nd Floor, SM North - Annex (near the sky Garden entrance)
There's also a Branch in Trinoma, 4th floor (near Cinema 7)
Special thanks to Branch manager Mr. Alexis for accommodating us and answering our queries even though he was very busy that day. Thanks Bigoli!

More Pictures here:
http://johnblitz.multiply.com/photos/album/40/Bigoli_SM_North_-_Annex_March_7_2010

Thanks for munching by foodies!

The wrath of Ondoy (Ketsana); flood, rain and traffic everywhere!

2009-09-27T16:46:00.011+08:00

Major Cities in Metro Manila Philippines got wiped off the map as typhoon Ketsana/Ondoy brought down endless rain yesterday (Sept 26, 2009) which caused flash floods and rivers/dams to overflow. Here are some pictures of places around the Metro yesterday.

Cubao, in front of Araneta Coliseum... yep that's the roof of a car.

Loyola heights not really looking so high..

Makati Ayala, underground walkways become an "only swimming" zone..

more Photos/Videos at azraelsmerryland.blogspot.com

Two low pressure areas/impending typhoons headed for Philippine shores..

For donations, please see details below..

Text RED (space) AMOUNT and send to 2899 (globe) or 4483 (smart).

Typhoon Ketsana (locally named as "Ondoy") hits Manila, Saturday Dates officially canceled! lol

2009-09-26T12:29:00.006+08:00

30 areas in Luzon, including Metro Manila, were placed under storm alerts as tropical storm "Ondoy" accelerated further and moved closer to Central Luzon on Saturday morning.

Weather bureau PAGASA said Ondoy was cruising west northwest at 19 kilometers per hour, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kph and gustiness of up to 100 kph. It was located 130 kilometers southeast of Baler town, Aurora province or 90 kilometers east northeast of Infanta, Quezon as of 5 a.m.

Public storm warning signal No. 2 was hoisted over La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bulacan, northern part of Quezon, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte and Rizal. Signal No. 1 was raised over Isabela, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Marinduque, Mindoro provinces, Lubang Island, southern part of Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, and Metro Manila.

PAGASA said the storm is expected to enhance the southwest monsoon and bring rains over the central and southern parts of Luzon, as well as the Visayas regions. Nathaniel Cruz, PAGASA's chief weather forecaster, said they expect Ondoy to cross Luzon while on its way to South China Sea.

Cruz said Ondoy may make landfall in Aurora province on Saturday morning and touch Pangasinan at night time before heading back to the sea. The weather bureau has also advised the Philippine Coast Guard to stop fishing boats and other small seacrafts from sailing in the affected areas.

The advisory has left more than 1,000 passengers stranded in southern Luzon and Bicol ports. PAGASA has also alerted the National Disaster Coordinating Council for possible flashfloods and landslides in the affected areas, partcularly in Laguna, Quezon, Zambales, Pampanga and Bataan provinces. Meanwhile, the Manila International Airport Authority said 13 flights of Zest Air SeaAir and PAL Express to Caticlan, Basco town in Batanes, San Jose town in Mindoro and Tablas in Romblon have been cancelled due to bad weather.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Munching Cyma (Greek Restaurant) - The OPA! experience

2009-08-24T08:01:00.069+08:00

I've been hearing from friends about the great cheesy foods over at Cyma, the resto was also featured in www.ourawesomeplanet.com.

So.. being a cheese lover, I decided to bring Mich here on our date last Saturday. (we actually frequent Italian restos since we're both cheese addicts.)

We went to Cyma's Trinoma branch located at the mall's 4th level outdoor garden. It's near Jack's Loft and Italiannis. By the way, Cyma, in Greek, means "to flourish".

Having no other hints but Cheese, I actually thought this was just another Italian restaurant (sure glad it was not). Greek cuisine! hmmm now how does Greek food actually differ from those of other countries in Europe? Let's check the Menu.

*click the Picture above to view the Complete Menu
Also take note of the meaning of the tags; Chef's Hat = Chef Recommended, Greece Flag = Original Greece Recipe, Earth Icon = Modernized Recipe, Heart Icon = Healthy/Low Cal.

Starting off with their list of OREKTIKA (appetizers).
One thing special in this place is their especially marked "OPA!" types of food, which they flambeau/light up in front of you, as the waiter (slash cook?) shouts Ohp-PAH! together with all of the waiters inside the resto. OPA! by the way is a greek cheer, similar to saying Hooray!

After seeing one of the tables being served with a flaming plate OPA!-style, we immediately searched the menu for those Flaming dishes. There's actually 3 of them, 2 appetizers (flaming cheese and flaming greek sausages) and 1 dessert (flaming mango). We wanted to try the sausages but they're already out of sausages, guess that's typical for a saturday night date, most of the best sellers are no longer available.

So we ended up trying the Flaming cheese. Served with Greek Garlic Bread (well its garlic bread, no more no less) but the cheese was a different story, it was good and the taste of EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) blended well with the flavor of the mozzarella cheese.

Make sure you eat it immediately as the cheese cools down fast and wont stick to the bread anymore when you dip it.

We wanted to try one of their best sellers, the Chicken Gyro (P160), but like the sausages, they're no longer available. So we went and ordered the main course.

Hirine Brizola (P450)

3/4 Inch Grilled Pork Chops with your choice of either Rice-Stuffed Peppers or Greek Roasted Potatoes. We ordered the potatoes since rice stuffed inside peppers didn't appeal to us much.

Me squeezing "Greek" Lemon (lol) over the thick and juicy looking chops..
The Grilled Pork Chops were so far the best that I've tasted, it was so tender I bet even an old gramps who's already without teeth can ground it up by just chewing with his bare gums lol.

But what surprised us was the taste of the Greek Roasted Potatoes! It was flavourful but you can't really describe what was in it or why it tasted that good. Needless to say it was really yummy. As how Mich described it, it was like eating mashed potato that wasn't mashed.

Our next stop is Pasta!
Garides Mi Feta Spaghetti (P450)

Believe it or not, we were already full by the time we finished the porkchops and potatoes. Not to mention that we were very hungry upon going to the resto. So we just had the pasta for take out.

First of all the serving is quite generous, we only ordered for the solo plate but what we got was still good for two. Like 2 servings of Spaghetti at Jollibee.

See the Giant prawns? What I loved about this one is the fresh taste of the Prawns, plus the taste of feta cheese giving the spaghetti an added cheesy salty taste. Other than that, its just like any normal restaurant's spaghetti, similar to those from Italiannis and Cibo. So I would actually recommend the Pork Chops over this one.

Since we were already full, and still had a movie to watch, we didn't try anymore any of the deserts. We wanted to be early so we could see if the trailers in the 3D cinema will be in full 3D or only the main movie. Well we weren't disappointed. But that should go on a different post.

The Place was also nice, not one of the best that we have been to, the walls were plain and I really like it when they have wall decors showing pictures or anything that gives more information or Trivia about the resto's chosen theme.

Blitz's Bite:
The food is pricey but you'll never regret your visit.
The food is great and we'll definitely come back for the Chicken Gyro and Lamb Chops which are a "Must Try" from what we've heard, oh plus the Spinach and Artichoke Fondue! lol ang dami.

Below are more pictures of the menu with some Greek Trivias/Facts.

Houses in Greece... hmmm doesn't look very different from those in Tagaytay..

To view the High Resolution Pictures, click on the following link: Cyma Photo Album